Lake Carnico is a deep, quiet community lake in the rolling Bluegrass country of Nicholas County, north of Carlisle – a Y-shaped, 114-acre impoundment with a surprising 56-foot depth and a varied fishery that includes bass, catfish and saugeye. Set in a residential community but open to visiting anglers at its public beach and boat ramp, it’s a pleasant, off-the-radar fishing spot in northeastern Kentucky. This guide is part of our growing Kentucky Lakes Database.
Lake Carnico at a glance
- Surface area: ~114 acres (Y-shaped), with about 5.5 miles of shoreline
- Depth: average ~21 ft, maximum ~56 ft – deep for its size
- Elevation: in the Bluegrass region of northeastern Kentucky
- Location: Nicholas County, north of Carlisle (off US-68)
- Built: opened 1964; the watershed is owned by the Nicholas County Development Corporation
- Top fish: largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, channel & flathead catfish, saugeye
How deep is Lake Carnico?
Lake Carnico averages about 21 feet deep and reaches roughly 56 feet at its deepest across 114 acres – notably deep for a small lake. The Y-shaped basin and steep banks give it good structure and help it support a healthy, varied fishery.
Fishing Lake Carnico
The lake offers a good variety of fish: largemouth bass, bluegill and other sunfish, channel and flathead catfish, and saugeye. A Kentucky fishing license is required. Anglers work the points, coves and the two main arms for bass and panfish, and the deeper water for catfish and saugeye. It’s a relaxed, productive lake that doesn’t see heavy pressure.
Access, swimming and recreation
Although Lake Carnico sits within a residential community, visitors are welcome to use the public beach and boat ramp – so there’s lake swimming at the beach as well as fishing and boating. It’s a quiet, low-key spot; please respect the community and posted rules. The peaceful setting and clear, deep water make it a pleasant day trip in the northeastern Bluegrass.
Water level
Lake Carnico is a stable community reservoir, though levels can vary with rainfall. Check conditions before launching.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Lake Carnico is north of Carlisle in Nicholas County, northeastern Kentucky, off US-68. Carlisle, Paris and the Bluegrass horse country are nearby.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: a Kentucky license is required.
- Public beach & ramp: visitors welcome – respect the residential community and rules.
- Best seasons: spring and fall for bass; summer for catfish, saugeye and swimming.
Frequently asked questions
How deep is Lake Carnico?
It averages about 21 feet and reaches roughly 56 feet at its deepest, across about 114 acres.
What fish are in Lake Carnico?
Largemouth bass, bluegill and sunfish, channel and flathead catfish, and saugeye.
Can you swim at Lake Carnico?
Yes – the lake has a public beach open to visitors, along with a boat ramp, within its residential community.
Where is Lake Carnico?
In Nicholas County, northeastern Kentucky, north of Carlisle off US-68.
Related: explore the small lakes of Kentucky, or head back to the Kentucky Lakes Database.
Explore more Kentucky lakes: the largest lakes in Kentucky and the deepest lakes in Kentucky.